ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis along with decreased bone density can lead to bone structure loss which increases the risk of fractures. Recent identification of genetic factors impels researchers to assess association of genetic variations with osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between FokI and ApaI polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor [VDR] gene and serum calcium level, serum 25-OH vitamin D level and osteoporosis in Iranian postmenopausal women
Materials and Methods: In this study, we included 194 over 50 years old postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia and 50 over 50 years old healthy postmenopausal women as the control group. To study the polymorphisms, genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples containing EDTA anticoagulant. Genotyping of FokI and ApaI polymorphisms of VDR gene was performed using PCR-RFLP method
Results: Weight, height, age, serum 25-OH vitamin D, and calcium level were compared in three groups of control, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. The mean of serum calcium level was not significantly different but the means of age, weight, height, and serum 25-OH vitamin D level were significantly different between the patients and control group. Also, the differences in the distribution of FokI and ApaI genotypes were not statistically significant among the patients with osteopenia, osteoporosis and the control group
Conclusion: It seems that there is no association between FokI and ApaI polymorphisms of VDR gene and osteoporosis
ABSTRACT
Edaravone, an antioxidant and radical scavenger, showed protective effects against oxidative stress-like condition. Paraquat [PQ] is toxic herbicide considerable evidence suggests that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to PQ toxicity. In this study, protective effect of edaravone against PQ induced toxicity and reactive oxygen species [ROS] generation in A549 cells and lung isolated mitochondria were evaluated. A549 cells and lung isolated mitochondria were divided into control group, PQ group, edaravone group and PQ plus edaravone-pretreated group. Cellular and mitochondrial viability assayed using MTT test and ROS generations in both cellular and mitochondrial fraction were determined by fluorometry using DCFH-DA as indicator. Our results showed that edaravone [5-100 microM] prevented PQ [500 microM] induced cytotoxicity in A549 celIs that the best protective effect was observed at concentration of 50 microM of edaravone. In addition, PQ-induced ROS generation in A549 cells significantly inhibited by edaravone. Moreover, PQ decreased mitochondria viability and also increased ROS generation in lung isolated mitochondria that edaravone [25-400 microM] markedly inhibited these toxic effects. In overall, the results of this study suggest that lung mitochondria maintenance is essential for maintaining PQt cytotoxicity and Edaravone is a protective drug against PQ toxicity in-vitro
ABSTRACT
Avesina Research Institute, consisting of 1-Reproductive Biotechnology 2-Moloclonal Antibody and 3-Nanobiotechnology Research Centers, made great efforts to establish a Twin Registry in Iran for the first time. First, an introductory notice, regarding the registry and its objectives was advertised through domestic TV channels and radio stations, as well as newspapers to address and summon twins and multiples. In addition, to publicize the registry more widely, an internet site was designed and posters and related business cards were printed. After the preliminary advertisements throughout the country, registration of the twins on the database became available via one of the following: 1- Filling out and posting questionnaires 2- Posting documents to the database and follow up correspondence for the completion of the required data 3- Registration through internet 4- Registration through telephone 5- Registration via e-mails In 22 months, from March 24, 2004 to December 31, 2005, about 35000 twins and multiples joined the Iranian Twin Registry and their information was entered into the database. This bulk of data based on information like gender, age, kind of birth, marital status, education, job, ethnicity, medical history, personal interests, hobbies, etc has been classified and is ready for use in research projects. The total number of twins and multiples registered with the registry is about 35000 compared to 350, 000 to 400, 000 twin pairs [There is one twin per 100 deliveries] who live in Iran. Twins who has participated in our study is less than%5 of the total number of Iranian twins and multiples. For the cooperation of nearly all twins in Iran, an urgent need is felt for substantial economical and organizational supports